How to Make Your Own Supplements: A Step-by-Step Guide

Need to know how to make your own supplements and start making a profit in 2023? If you answered yes, making, rebranding, and selling your own supplements is an excellent solution! The process might seem daunting at first, but it's actually straightforward and rewarding.

This guide will help you understand how to make your own branded supplements, giving you a chance to create a new product that stands out in the health and wellness market. 

In this article, we'll cover:

  • Choosing the right ingredients for your supplements
  • Understanding the different types of supplements
  • Gaining insight into nutrient absorption and bioavailability
  • And more!

By the end, you'll know how to make your own supplement blend tailored to your customer’s preferences and requirements!

Why Should You Make Your Own Supplement Blend

There are many reasons to make your own supplement blend, rather than rebranding existing recipes. For starters, doing this gives you the freedom and flexibility over supplement combinations, and you can customize your product to your target audience. 

In addition, custom-made supplements can be adapted to your company’s brand, and you can control the quality of blends. 

Freedom of Choice with DIY Supplements

Making your own supplements allows you to have complete control over what goes into your product. DIY supplements can be made with custom ingredients and blends, giving your brand a signature edge. 

For example, you may want to add more of a particular nutrient that is often not found in high quantities in competitor products. You also have the freedom to exclude any unnecessary additives, fillers, or allergens that are healthier for consumers to avoid. 

Bonus Tip: Once you’ve developed your dietary supplements, you need to ensure you skyrocket your profits! Read this guide on how to use bundled pricing strategy for maximum profit

Supplement Products Customized to The Consumer

One of the main questions entrepreneurs in the supplement industry often ask is "Can I make my own supplements?" And the answer is, yes! By making your own supplements, you can completely customize your product to meet your audience’s preferences.

For example, if you target weightlifters, you can include specific amino acids like BCAAs or Glutamine that are beneficial for muscle recovery. 

On the other hand, if your target buyers have a specific health condition, you can customize your blend with the appropriate nutrients to support their health.

Cost Efficiency with Supplement Powders and Empty Capsules

Buying supplement powders in bulk and empty capsules can be a more cost-effective way of selling supplements. You don’t have to worry about relying on manufacturers or suppliers, you can take control of the process yourself! 

In addition, you can choose from a variety of capsule types, such as vegetarian or gelatin capsules, based on how you choose to brand and sell your product. 

Purity and Quality of Ingredients

Creating your own supplement blend means you have full control over the quality of the ingredients associated with your brand. This can include choosing organic ingredients, such as organic turmeric powder which is known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties, to ensure purity and efficacy. 

You also have the choice to include essential amino acids in your product which are crucial for various bodily functions such as muscle repair and neurotransmitter production. The bottom line - you can ensure customer’s get the best and safest supplement blends. 

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8 Steps on How to Make Your Own Supplements

Here are 8 steps on how to make your own supplements in 2023!

‍Step 1: Understand the Different Types of Supplements

There are a plethora of supplement types available, each with its unique purpose. Recognizing these differences is pivotal to creating your own supplement product.

  • Minerals: These are crucial for overall health. Minerals contribute to multiple bodily functions, from helping cells generate energy to facilitating metabolism.
  • Herbal supplements: These are derived from plants and can contain vitamins or minerals. They often possess active components that can confer various health benefits, such as improved cognitive function or enhanced immune response.
  • Amino acids: Often incorporated into DIY supplements, amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. They are critical for maintaining strong muscles, skin, and bones.
  • Probiotics or Prebiotics: Many companies include these beneficial bacteria in their supplement blend. They aid in maintaining a healthy digestive system and support immune function.
  • Sports Supplements: These are designed to support physical activity and athletic performance. They can include ingredients such as protein powders for muscle recovery, BCAAs for endurance, and creatine for strength and power.

When choosing the best type of supplement to incorporate, consider the following:

  1. Your Ideal Buyer’s Dietary Needs: Your target audience’s nutritional needs are unique and should guide your choice of supplements. It’s vital to design a product that addresses specific health and wellness concerns. 
  2. Quality and Purity: Ensure that the supplements you choose are free from harmful additives and contaminants. Look for third-party testing or certifications that guarantee quality.
  3. Bioavailability: The supplement should be in a form that one’s body can easily absorb and utilize.
  4. Compatibility: Some supplements can interact with each other or with medications. It's essential to ensure the components of your product are safe to take together.
  5. Form: Decide whether you want your supplement in powder form to mix with drinks or food, or to encapsulate them for easy ingestion.

Step 2: Choose the Right Ingredients for Your Supplements

When choosing the ingredients for your supplement blend, the most important factor to consider is bioavailability. Bioavailability signifies how much of a nutrient's active form can be absorbed by the body.

Certain compounds, such as iron and calcium, exhibit different levels of bioavailability depending on their form. It's advisable to research the various forms of each nutrient, such as zinc sulfate or iron citrate, and select the one with the highest bioavailability for your supplement.

In addition to considering bioavailability, it's crucial to look at aspects such as purity, concentration, and reputation. Don't be swayed by the cheapest options; instead, prioritize buying high-quality, trusted ingredients that will deliver the health benefits your customers expect. 

Some great and natural ingredients to consider for your supplement blend include:

  • Vitamin C: This nutrient is a powerful antioxidant and crucial for immune health.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids: These essential fats have numerous health benefits, including heart health and cognitive function.
  • Probiotics: These live bacteria and yeasts promote a healthy gut microbiome.
  • Magnesium: This mineral supports nerve function, and muscle health, and aids in energy production.
  • Organic Turmeric powder: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can boost antioxidant capacity.
  • Zinc: This mineral plays a crucial role in immune health and metabolism function.

person removing supplements from container

Step 3: Get Informed Nutrient Absorption & Bioavailability

Before delving into the process of making your own supplements, it's crucial to grasp the concepts of digestion, absorption, and bioavailability. 

Essential nutrients in food are broken down by enzymes in the digestive tract and subsequently absorbed into the bloodstream. The process of absorption is pivotal to maximizing the benefits derived from a nutrient; improper absorption means it won't reach the cells that need it the most. 

For instance, zinc is more readily absorbed in its "zinc sulfate" form compared to its "zinc oxide" form.

Understanding the forms of nutrients that are best absorbed is key, but you should also be aware of dietary factors that can enhance absorption. 

For example, integrating fats can heighten the bioavailability of vitamins A, D, E, and K. These vitamins are fat-soluble, meaning they require fat to be absorbed and utilized by the body effectively.

By considering these aspects, you'll optimize the amount of a nutrient absorbed from your product and ensure maximum effectiveness.

Consider the following factors to boost nutrient absorption and bioavailability:

  • Pairing Nutrients: Some nutrients are absorbed better together. For example, Vitamin C can enhance iron absorption, benefiting your immune system.
  • Avoiding Anti-Nutrients: Certain substances can inhibit nutrient absorption. For example, tannins found in tea and coffee can inhibit iron absorption.
  • Consuming With Food: Taking supplements with food can enhance absorption, particularly for fat-soluble vitamins and minerals.
  • Dose Timing: Some nutrients might be better absorbed at certain times of the day. For instance, magnesium is often recommended to be taken at night as it may promote better sleep.
  • Form of Nutrient: As mentioned earlier, certain forms of nutrients have better bioavailability than others. For example, 'zinc sulfate' is better absorbed than 'zinc oxide'.

Step 4: Determine The Number of Ingredients For Your Supplements

‍As you move forward in your journey to create your own supplements, it becomes crucial to decide on the number of ingredients you want to include. This step goes beyond merely deciding on your supplement type; it's about striking a balance that ensures your product is effective without overburdening the blend. 

When mixing powders, it's crucial not to overwhelm your blend with too many ingredients. Over-complicating your mix can dilute the efficacy of individual elements and possibly cause nutrient competition, where certain nutrients interfere with others' absorption. 

Moreover, combining too many ingredients can increase the risk of unwanted side effects and adverse reactions, especially if the ingredients interact negatively with each other.

Therefore, selecting a limited but potent mix of ingredients is beneficial. For instance, if you're aiming for a sports supplement, you might want to include a high-quality whey protein and a few essential amino acids. 

If you're focusing on immunity, a fine powder of vitamin C, zinc, and a couple of herbal remedies like echinacea or elderberry might be your blend.

Here are some points to consider when determining your ingredient count:

  • Identify your health needs: Choose ingredients that address specific health concerns or goals.
  • Research ingredient interactions: Make sure your chosen ingredients work synergistically and do not inhibit each other's functions.
  • Avoid overloading: A simple rule of thumb is "less is more." A supplement overloaded with ingredients can lead to decreased effectiveness.
  • Quality over quantity: Focus on high-quality ingredients that have been tested for purity and potency.

While it's exciting to blend your own supplements, it's important to remember that more isn't always better. The key is to create a supplement that is well-rounded, effective, and safe. 

Step 5: Decide on The Supplement Form and Servings Per Container 

​​When it comes to how to make your own supplements, choosing the right form is an essential step. Here are some commonly used forms:

  • Capsules: Capsules, often filled with the help of a capsule machine, are convenient, portable, and easy to take. They can be made with gelatin capsules or vegetarian options.
  • Powders: Powder supplements can easily be mixed into foods or drinks, offering versatility. They are often used for larger doses, like protein powders.
  • Liquids: Liquid supplements can be absorbed quickly and are an excellent option for those who struggle to swallow pills.
  • Tablets: Tablets are a cost-effective way to produce supplements, but they can be harder to swallow for some people.

Deciding on the number of servings per container is also crucial. This will be influenced by the recommended daily intake of the supplement and supplement form.

Step 6: Determine How Many Units You Need

Determining the number of units you need is a key step when making your own supplements. This depends on several factors:

  • Storage conditions: Supplements can degrade over time, especially under poor storage conditions. It might be better to make smaller batches more frequently.
  • Time and resources: Making your own supplements can be time-consuming, especially if you are making capsules. Consider the time you have available and the resources you will need. 
  • Market Demand: If you plan to enter the supplement industry and compete with established supplement companies, conducting a market demand analysis is critical to ensure you're producing an appropriate amount.

‍Step 7: Create Your Custom Supplement Blends

When blending supplements, it is important to consider interactions between ingredients; some combinations can have an increased or decreased effect on absorption and benefit.

If you're combining multiple ingredients, consider cutting each one into smaller doses and taking them together. This will ensure that all of the active components of each ingredient are present in each dose and no single ingredient will be too concentrated.

It is also important to remember that certain nutrients work synergistically; for example, calcium and vitamin D work together to absorb calcium into the bones.

While it is not necessary to combine all nutrients this way, it may be beneficial if you want to maximize absorption. Once you have assembled all of your ingredients, mix them together until they are completely blended.

Recommended Equipment for Making Supplements

It’s beneficial to have a few pieces of equipment on hand. The most important tool is an accurate digital scale; accurate measurements are key when making precise blends. 

You should also have measuring cups, measuring spoons, a blender, and an airtight container such as a pill box or mason jar.

It can also be useful to have a mortar and pestle or grinder to crush ingredients that are not already in powdered form.

These tools can help break down food particles into smaller pieces, making them easier to absorb. Finally, if you want to make capsules for easy ingestion, an encapsulator machine can help speed up the process.

Step 8: Label & Package Your Supplements

Once you have created your custom supplement blend, it is important to label and package it correctly. Label each container with the ingredients and quantities included so customers know exactly what is in each supplement pill.

Next, transfer your blend into small airtight containers such as a pill box or mason jar. Protective packaging such as these can help maintain freshness and prevent oxidation.

Consider investing in attractive and clearly labeled packaging such as boxes or bags to store your custom supplements in; this will help you build trust with customers who purchase your product.

Bonus Tip: Want to handle label design yourself? Check out our guide on how to make your own labels for products!

product labeling and packaging

How Supliful Can Help You Create Your Own Supplements

Supliful Academy is designed to empower you to create your own unique supplement blend. Our platform provides comprehensive resources that guide you through the process of designing, developing, and marketing your own range of supplements. 

You'll learn everything you need to know from configuring an online store, and developing a compelling brand, to marketing strategies that will help you stand out in the DIY supplements world. 

With our tools and guidance, you can transform your interest in supplements into a viable venture.

How to Store Supplements Properly

Storing your supplements correctly is essential for maintaining their potency and shelf life. Make sure to store them in a dry, cool area with minimal light exposure; excessive heat or light can degrade the potency of a supplement quickly.

Additionally, choose airtight packaging that will prevent air from entering the container and interact with the components. For example, avoid plastic bags that do not have a zipper seal; instead, opt for glass jars or sealed plastic containers.

Finally, write expiration dates on any containers that do not have date stamps on them; this will ensure that you know when to discard any products that may have passed their recommended shelf life.

Taking these steps will make sure that your products remain fresh and full of active nutrients.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Your Own Supplements

Making your own supplements can be a rewarding DIY process if it is done correctly; however, there are some common mistakes to avoid if you want to get the most from your blend.

The first is not properly cleaning equipment; any residue left on tools such as scales or blenders can contaminate future batches of supplementation blend. Make sure to rinse any equipment with warm water before reusing it.

Another common mistake is forgetting about the interaction between different nutrients.

As previously explained, some ingredients may interact with each other either positively or negatively; if this happens in your blend, it could reduce your overall nutrient absorption rate from the supplement pills you’ve created.

Before combining multiple ingredients into one blend, make sure to check their interactions.

Finally, remember to label each container accurately with ingredient names and quantity measurements. This will help ensure that each dose contains exactly what you intended and creates an effective blend.

By following the steps outlined above, you can be sure that you will create high-quality custom supplements tailored to your audience’s needs. 

Bonus Tip: Want to market your supplements on Facebook? First, check out this guide on whether you can advertise your supplements on Facebook

Key Takeaways

Creating your own supplements gives you control over the ingredients, quantity, quality, and form of the products you sell. Here is an overview of the key steps to create your own supplements in 2023:

  1. Understand the different types of supplements.
  2. Choose the best ingredients for your product. 
  3. Understand nutrient absorption and bioavailability.
  4. Determine the number of ingredients and the form of your supplements.
  5. Decide the servings per container. 
  6. Choose how many supplement units you need
  7. Create your own branded custom supplements
  8. Focus on labeling and packaging 

‍Looking for More Wisdom?

If you are looking for other articles on supplements then these articles are a must see:

  1. Who Is The Target Audience For  Supplements
  2. Are Supplement Companies Profitable
  3. Which Licenses Are Required To Sell Supplements

‍These posts will help you learn more about how to create private label supplements so you can improve your business skills.

FAQs

Can I make my own supplements?

Yes, you can make your own supplements. It requires careful selection of ingredients, understanding nutrient absorption, deciding on the form, and servings per container.

How to make supplements at home?

You can make supplements at home by sourcing high-quality ingredients, using a capsule machine or another form, and packaging them carefully.

What ingredients do I need to manufacture supplements at home?

The ingredients needed depend on your audience’s health needs and the type of supplement you want to make. It can range from essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, to herbal remedies.

How to make homemade supplements?

Follow the steps outlined in this blog post to create homemade supplements. Always ensure to use quality ingredients and pay attention to nutrient absorption and bioavailability.

Is it a good idea to make supplements at home?

Yes, making supplements at home can be beneficial as it allows control over the ingredients and quantities. However, it requires careful research and consultation with a healthcare professional.

What licenses do I need for DIY supplements?

If you're creating supplements for personal use, you don't need licenses. However, if you plan to sell them, different countries have varying regulations and licensing requirements. Always ensure to research and comply with your local laws.

$0 Startup: Customize & Sell Private Label Products